Make sure your SQL Server is running in local machine, if not give the correct server name.
Can't connect to SQL Server to complete Learning Labs
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Ammo Parmar
0
Reputation points
DataSource.Error: Microsoft SQL: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)
Details:
DataSourceKind=SQL
DataSourcePath=localhost;AdventureWorksDW2020
Message=A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)
ErrorCode=-2146232060
Number=2
Class=20
State=0
ConnectionId=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
SQL Server | Other
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Erland Sommarskog 133.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator2026-02-25T22:24:47.4666667+00:00 The error message means that the SQL Server instance you specified does not exist or is not running.
I'm afraid that I don't know anything about these labs or how they run. This DataSourcePath that appears in the error message, is that you something you set up yourself?
Do you connect to a VM or similar to run these labs, or do you run them on your own machine?
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Akhil Gajavelly 1,735 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2026-04-16T06:54:55.81+00:00 Hi @Ammo Parmar ,
Just checking back were you able to verify whether the SQL Server instance is running and confirm the correct server name (for example, localhost\SQLEXPRESS if using Express)?
Also, please confirm whether you're running the labs on your local machine or via a VM, as that can affect the connection.
If the issue is resolved, consider marking one of the helpful answers. If not, feel free to share an update and we’ll help further.
Thanks,
Akhil.
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